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Edinburgh Castle: Entry Ticket + Guided Tour
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Book tickets and tours →How to get to Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle stands at the top of the Royal Mile, on the Esplanade (postcode EH1 2NG). The walk from the stations is uphill, and there is no car park at the castle.
Edinburgh Castle · Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
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From Waverley station
You can see the castle from the station exits. The walk is uphill all the way, up to the Royal Mile and the Esplanade, where the entrance is. Wear comfortable shoes: the last part is cobbled.
From Edinburgh Airport
The tram runs from the airport to Princes Street in about 30 minutes, with a tram about every 7 minutes in the daytime, seven days a week. From Princes Street you continue to the castle on foot. Buy your tram ticket before you board, from a machine, in the app, or by tapping a contactless card on and off.
The Airlink 100 bus takes about half an hour to Waverley Bridge.
By bus
Local buses that go over the Mound or George IV Bridge serve the area, but no public bus stops at the castle gates. You finish the journey on foot via Castlehill. Some hop-on hop-off tour buses do stop at the castle.
By car
There is no public car park at the castle. The nearest is the Castle Terrace car park. A few spaces on the Esplanade are kept for ticket holders with accessibility needs and must be booked in advance.
What is the walk inside like?
The Esplanade is smooth, but the entrance route is steep, curved and cobbled. It is about 350 metres to Crown Square, and the steepest part, near Foog's Gate, rises up to 15 degrees. A mobility shuttle takes up to three passengers and one wheelchair to Crown Square on request at the entrance. Manual wheelchairs can be borrowed, first come, first served.
The way out has 70 stone steps with a handrail, and staff can guide you down through the castle if the steps do not suit you. The Battlement Walk has many steps, and the Prisons of War have several short ramps. The Great Hall has ramp access.
What can I bring in?
Suitcases and large backpacks (30 litres or more) are not allowed, and there is no left luggage, so leave them at your hotel. Bags may be checked at the entrance. Only assistance dogs can come in, on a lead; other pets cannot.
Edinburgh Castle: frequently asked questions
How do I walk from Waverley station to the castle?
The castle is in view as you leave the station, and the walk is uphill all the way to the Royal Mile and the Esplanade.
Can I bring a suitcase or a big backpack?
No. Suitcases and backpacks of 30 litres or more are not allowed, and the castle has no left luggage.
Are dogs allowed in Edinburgh Castle?
Only assistance dogs, on a lead. Other pets are not allowed.
Is Edinburgh Castle accessible?
The route in is steep and cobbled. A mobility shuttle to Crown Square is available on request at the entrance, and manual wheelchairs can be borrowed. The Great Hall has ramp access.